Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, has pleaded with the Lagos State High Court to grant him mercy, saying he is ready to give up all his property as part of a plea bargain agreement. The convicted billionaire kidnapper, who is currently serving time at Kirikiri Maximum Prison, claims he has changed his ways and is now a teacher.
Appearing before Justice Sherifat Sonaike at the Lagos High Court in Tafawa Balewa Square, Evans explained that he has used his time in prison to reform himself. He said he obtained a teaching diploma in economics from Yewa College of Education and is now a certified teacher at the correctional center.
“I am no longer a criminal,” Evans stated in his plea. “I have changed, and I am now contributing positively to society.”
As part of his plea deal, Evans has offered to forfeit 14 brand-new trucks to the Lagos State Government. He suggested that the government could sell the trucks and use the money to compensate the victims of his crimes.
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Evans also claimed that the Federal Government awarded him a scholarship while he was in prison, allowing him and other inmates to continue their education. He said he took advantage of this opportunity and earned a National Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics.
He presented his NCE certificate and project work as proof of his achievements. He also told the court that he is currently in his second year studying Political Science at the National Open University of Nigeria, thanks to the Federal Government’s scholarship scheme.
“I want to use my education to make a difference,” Evans pleaded. “Without forgiveness from the Lagos State Government, my scholarship will be wasted, and I won’t be able to practice the skills I have learned.”
Evans further stated that he underwent training in welding and metal fabrication under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity. He passed all the required tests and submitted copies of his test results to the court.
“My goal is to use my skills to contribute to society, but I need a second chance,” he said.
During the court hearing, the prosecuting counsel, Alaba Kuku, confirmed that Evans and his legal team had submitted an application for a plea bargain. He said he had received an advance copy of the application from Evans’ lawyer, Etudo Emefo, and that it was now under consideration by the Lagos State Government.
“The government has not yet made a decision on the plea bargain,” Kuku told the court.
As the case progresses, many Nigerians are divided on whether Evans should be given another chance. Some argue that he should serve his full sentence, while others believe he deserves mercy if he has truly reformed. The court is expected to make a ruling on his plea bargain request in the coming weeks.